Turn your vacation into a staycation!

Tourism with a twist

A vacation doesn't fit the budget this year? Consider a staycation! The excitement and adventure of a vacation can be just as wonderful close to home.

Bummed out over the bad economy? Make the best of it by turning your vacation into a "staycation!"

What a staycation is…

A vacation where an individual or family relaxes at home or takes day trips to area attractions.

What a staycation is NOT…

A vacation where an individual or family stay home and do chores, finish projects and sits around watching TV. Just staying home and doing nothing special would be…boring!

Advantages of a staycation

A staycation saves on the major expenses of airfare and lodging required by many vacations. It also reduces expenses on gas and meals. Staycations can be planned to fit any budget.

Staycations-Different things to different people

We've come to think of vacations as the time when we step away from our day-to-day life and experience the adventure of new places and new faces. The main point of a staycation is to relax, enjoy our family, and have fun at home in a way that best fits our personal financial situation. This means different things to different people. For one person, it might mean seven straight days of splashing around the community pool. To someone else, it might mean visiting all the local art galleries. Here's my idea of a staycation.

PLAN it just like any other vacation!

It's interesting how people know so little about the attractions in their own area. We travel far and wide, but tend to overlook what's available within ninety miles of home. My idea of the perfect staycation is to plan it just as you would a far away vacation. Be a tourist in your own town! Learn as much as you can about the area and what attractions are available. Don't be afraid to do a bit of driving. Day trips can uncover a wealth of fun places you never dream were so close by. Make planning your staycation a family project. Start researching information for your staycation at least a few weeks before by using the following resources:
• AAA Tourbook
• Bookstore guidebooks
• Google your city for "Best places to visit in___"
• The local Chamber of Commerce
• Travel magazines
• Local libraries
• Friends

Staycation memories!

Vacations always leave us with memories to look back on. Your staycation shouldn't be any different!
• Take pictures for an album
• Shoot video footage
• Collect brochures from places you've visited
• Create a staycation scrapbook
• Buy a souvenir
• Send a postcard home on the last day!

Remember, you're on vacation… staycation Style!

Leave the dirty laundry alone. Set the chores aside. Don't even answer the phone or e-mail. Just enjoy your staycation together, then… look back fondly on the great memories.